Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a high-level inquiry into vaccine procurement.
- A five-member committee will examine the process, prices, and financial arrangements.
- The committee will submit its findings within 48 hours.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed a high-level inquiry into the procurement of meningococcal meningitis and influenza vaccines by Border Health Services (BHS) Pakistan. The decision comes amid controversy over the award of a public-private partnership contract for vaccination services for Haj and Umrah pilgrims.
According to a notification issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on October 16, the committee will be headed by the Cabinet Secretary, with the Director General of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), a representative of the Attorney General’s Office, and Managing Director of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) as members.
The PPRA managing director will also serve as the committee’s secretary, while the Cabinet Division will provide secretariat support. The committee is scheduled to hold its first meeting in Islamabad on Saturday morning to examine the matter, record statements from relevant officials, and review procurement documents.
The decision follows a legal challenge filed by seven pharmaceutical and vaccine companies in the Islamabad High Court. The companies have challenged the procurement process and award of the contract, alleging that the tender attracted only one bidder and that eligible competitors were denied a fair opportunity to participate.
The petitioners have also questioned whether the arrangement met the legal requirements for a public-private partnership and whether the necessary approvals were obtained. The Islamabad High Court had issued notices to the respondents and sought the relevant procurement record.
The allegations remain subject to judicial determination, and the committee’s findings are expected to provide clarity on the procurement process and ensure transparency in the vaccine supply for pilgrims.
The committee’s mandate is to examine the procurement process, vaccine prices, and financial arrangements, and submit its findings within 48 hours. This move is aimed at addressing the concerns raised by the pharmaceutical companies and ensuring the integrity of the procurement process.
